With the world becoming more conscious about making sustainable choices, both homeowners and businesses seek green building materials. Roofing is one of those areas in which sustainability is becoming a top priority. Metal roofing, traditionally recognized for its longevity and aesthetic appeal, has been a popular choice for its environmental merits.
Make sure to hire a trusted company for timely roof repairs in Plano and maintenance to ensure it lasts for decades without costly repairs. Whether you are planning for a new roof or replacing an old one, learning about the sustainability benefits of metal roofing can aid you in making a responsible and green choice. Let's delve into it below in this blog.
1. Energy Efficiency and Reduced Operating Costs
Metal roofing is highly energy efficient. Common styles of roofing, especially asphalt shingles, absorb heat and increase cooling costs. Metal roofs, on the other hand, reflect solar heat instead of absorbing it, making it easier to maintain lower indoor temperatures.
Many metal roofs come coated with reflective finishes, which improve those roofs’ ability to reflect sunlight, lessening the load on air conditioners. In fact, an appropriately installed steel roof could reduce cooling costs by as much as 25 percent. This makes it a great investment for homeowners looking to save money on energy usage and utility bills. Regular roof repairs in Plano, TX, and routine inspections will keep your roof in the best condition.
2. Longevity and Durability
Sustainability is not only about using eco-friendly materials; it’s also about reducing waste. A metal roof can last 40 to 70 years, well outlasting traditional asphalt shingles, which typically last 15 to 20 years. This extended service life means less frequent replacements, which, in turn, leads to a lower environmental impact associated with manufacturing, transporting, and disposing of roofing materials.
Metal roofs also can resist extreme weather events, from heavy rain to hurricane-force winds, hail, and even fire. Their robustness results in reduced repairs and less frequent replacements, which in turn furthers sustainability by lessening construction waste. Just focus on hiring experienced roofers in Texas for error-free installation.
3. Recyclable and Less Wasteful
Other types of roofing materials typically end up in landfills, while metal roofing is 100% recyclable. Most metal roofs are made using recycled material with some actually containing 95 percent recycled material. The closed-loop lifecycle makes metal roofing a great option for going green and minimizing environmental waste.
At the time of a metal roof's end of life, the recycled material can be reused again, reducing potential waste impact. Metal roofing is recyclable, which means that homeowners can help establish a circular economy where materials get repurposed or reused rather than discarded.
4. Reduced Carbon Footprint
The environmental footprint of roofing materials varies based on how they are manufactured. Asphalt shingles need petroleum-based products and generate high carbon emissions during their manufacturing process. On the other hand, metallic roofing is far less polluting when talked about as per its durability and recyclability.
And since metal roofs can reduce cooling costs, they indirectly reduce the greenhouse gases emitted by fossil-fuel-dependent power plants, which provide energy to meet that demand. This makes them an environmentally friendly option for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint.
5. Designed to Work Together with Solar Panels
With the rise of renewable energy becoming much more affordable, a new wave of homeowners are turning to solar panels to increase their sustainability. Metal roofing installation is ideal for solar panels. Some roofing materials may need supporting reinforcement due to the additional weight of solar panels, but metal roofs are solid enough to easily hold them up.
Moreover, certain designs of metal roofing systems enable integrated solar panel solutions that not only enhance energy output but also ensure visual harmony. Metal roof with solar panels maximizes energy efficiency and long-term cost savings.
6. Water Collection and Conservation
Those interested in water conservation will find metal roofing to be an ideal surface for rainwater harvesting. Unlike asphalt shingles which can leach nasty chemicals into gathered rainwater, metal roofs make it easier to capture and store the rainwater for irrigation, household use, and/or emergency needs.
Homeowners have not just become environmentally conscious, but they are also reducing their dependence on the municipal water source. They want to use the natural resources better with rainwater collection. This eco-friendly design also conserves water and mitigates stormwater runoff, both of which can contribute to soil erosion and water pollution.
7. Easier Maintenance and Less Frequent Repairs
A sustainable home or building is easy to maintain, not requiring constant roof repairs in Plano and replacements. Compared to conventional materials, metal roofing requires little maintenance. Its muteness to mold, mildew, and mating infestation also removes the chemical treatments that can contaminate the environment.
With regular inspections and occasional cleaning, a metal roof can retain its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal for decades. Its low-maintenance nature also contributes to its sustainability, making for fewer resources spent on repairs and maintenance.
Need expert roofers in Texas? Call 911 Exteriors Roofing and Construction today for all your roofing needs.